How safe is it to have a diamond set at a local jeweler?

[StevenChen]

So I got a loose a diamond on my own, and i asked a local jewler to order a setting for me. It has the 4 weeks and the setting is ready, now the important question is where I should get my diamond set. The local jeweler i mentioned has that service however i am hesitant to get it done there. For one, I had to give them a copy for my gia report when they ordered the customized setting. They also saw the diamond when i went there for the order. In my opinion, they had 4 weeks to find a replica. Is that hard for they have all the info they needed?

Also, for occassion like this, as a customer, do i have the right to watch him/her work the whole thing? should I immediately walk away from they don't allow me to? Should i just bring it to another location? What should i be looking for if i should be out there looking for another local jeweler to get it set?

Any input would be helpful and appreciated?
Thanks in advance.

 

[JulieN]

Don't worry. Having the GIA report is for the protection of both sides.

 

[denverappraiser]

1) They need the report to get the dimensions, which is the way to make sure they order in the right mounting. The fact that they asked to see is a GOOD sign, not a bad one.

2) Presumably you have some level of trust with these folks or you wouldn’t have ordered a ring from them (or at least you shouldn’t have). What’s changed?

3) One of the features of the GIA report is the ‘plotting diagram’ That’s the little map that shows what your inclusions are and where they’re located. This is one of the reason it's included. A fair number of them actually have a serial number inscribed on the girdle that can be used to match the stone to the paperwork when your job is done. If you’re worried about your skills to do this, ask your appraiser at the end. Pick an appraiser who isn’t working for the store by the way.

4) If you’re losing sleep over it, get it insured. A jeweler stealing your diamond would be a covered loss. Your risk of this is actually quite low but you can pass that risk off to an insurance company for a pretty reasonable price. Check out www.jewelersmutual.com Then get some sleep.

5) Yes, a lot of setters are willing to work while you watch as long as you set an appointment. A lot won't. It's sort of annoying to work with someone watching over your shoulder but I assure you, you won't be the first customer to ask this question.

 

[WinkHPD]

So I got a loose a diamond on my own, and i asked a local jewler to order a setting for me. It has the 4 weeks and the setting is ready, now the important question is where I should get my diamond set. The local jeweler i mentioned has that service however i am hesitant to get it done there. For one, I had to give them a copy for my gia report when they ordered the customized setting. They also saw the diamond when i went there for the order. In my opinion, they had 4 weeks to find a replica. Is that hard for they have all the info they needed?

Also, for occassion like this, as a customer, do i have the right to watch him/her work the whole thing? should I immediately walk away from they don't allow me to? Should i just bring it to another location? What should i be looking for if i should be out there looking for another local jeweler to get it set?

Any input would be helpful and appreciated?
Thanks in advance.

I am a little confused. Why are they looking for a replica?

As for watching them work. Some places will, but many have insurance that specifically forbids it. Many of the places that will allow you to will charge an extra fee as your presence slows work down and requires that every one else's work be stored back in the safe to prevent possible theft. It is a very annoying vote of no confidence to most jewelers.

It is far better to ask them to show you the diamond under a microscope before you leave it, make a diagram of any inclusions that you can see, and then look at it again when you pick it up. This is also easier if you have a diamond with an inscription on the girdle and you can ask for the inscription to be left uncovered if you are not using a bezel style mounting.

I always used to do this with my clients, asking them to look at the diamond under the microscope and then tell them that if there was any question about the diamond they could look at it again when they picked it up. Most looked prior, but only a couple ever asked to see it when they picked it up.

Find someone you trust, then trust him. Or don't. But for sure try to do it without being offensive as good jewelers pride themselves on being honest and worthy of your trust. If you shower them with doubts you will eventually find yourself either paying more or being asked to go elsewhere.

Wink